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When considering iron supplementation for horses, it’s important to remember that no vitamin or mineral acts alone. The horse’s body relies on a complex network of nutrient interactions, and supplementing with a single mineral, like iron, can be ineffective or even harmful if done in isolation. That’s why products like Equilibrium are designed to provide a balanced mix of minerals and vitamins commonly lacking in modern equine diets.
Why Do Horses Need Iron?
Iron is an essential trace mineral for horses, critical for oxygen transport and energy production.
A 500 kg horse contains around 33 grams of iron, with:
The daily iron requirement for horses depends on life stage and activity:
This means most horses easily meet their iron needs through forage and feed when the diet is balanced.
Given that forages are naturally high in iron, most horses receive more than enough from pasture and hay alone.
The body is highly efficient at recycling and storing iron, especially from the breakdown of aging red blood cells, which live about 150 days. Iron is stored in the liver for reuse, ensuring the horse maintains adequate levels without needing excessive dietary intake.
True iron deficiency is rare in horses and usually occurs only under specific conditions such as:
Signs of iron-deficiency anaemia include:
Anaemia in horses must be diagnosed through blood tests. It is a symptom, not a disease, and always indicates an underlying issue that needs addressing.
Iron is lost in sweat, about 21 mg per litre. A horse in intense work may lose up to 500 mg of iron per day, along with other key minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Supplementing only iron is not effective, you must replace all lost electrolytes and minerals together for proper recovery using balanced minerals such as Equilibrium Mineral Mix
While horses can excrete some excess iron via faeces, over-supplementation can be dangerous, especially for young foals. High doses of iron can lead to liver failure and, in severe cases, death. Excess iron also interferes with the absorption of other nutrients like zinc, which can lead to secondary imbalances.
Formulated to provide the correct balance without the risk of overloading the system with a single mineral
Iron is a vital nutrient for oxygen transport and performance, but it must be provided in the right amounts and in balance with other minerals. Most horses meet their iron requirements through forage and well-formulated feeds. If you’re concerned about iron levels, always consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist before making changes because when it comes to minerals, more is not always better.
